(Courtesy of the OU) The Orthodox Union, the nation’s oldest and largest umbrella organization for the North American Orthodox Jewish community, has named highly-regarded New York attorney Rachel Sims as its first general counsel. She will manage the OU’s legal and compliance work and provide guidance to all departments organization.

Sims has nearly two decades of legal experience at some of the top law firms York where she has counseled professional associations, corporations, partnerships and senior executives. She joined OU after spending years as a senior litigator at Blank Rome LLP. to that position, she was a litigation associate at Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Fried Frank.

“We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Rachel’s caliber, background and experience join our senior management team,” OU Executive Vice President Allen Fagin said. “The OU has experienced enormous growth over the last few years; with that growth comes the additional need for us to have a seasoned general counsel who can assist each of our departments and programs..

Sims is looking forward to starting her new role.

“Having grown up in the Brooklyn Orthodox Jewish community, and the oldest grandchild of Holocaust survivors, the role of general counsel for one of the largest Jewish organizations in the world is an opportunity of a lifetime,” Sims said. “I am excited to use my legal skills, knowledge and experience to help the OU continue to grow and succeed in its mission to inspire the greater Jewish community and to protect its interests and values.”